FEB 2014 ~ Scholars, researchers and observers came from around the world to focus on an emerging field of science. Their backgrounds ranged from archaeology to anthropology, acoustic engineering, psychology, architecture, musicology, medicine and healing, and more.

In the spirit of Malta's prehistoric temple builders, a community of dedicated souls came together and created something both monumental and unforgettable.

"Archaeoacoustics is at this 'pre-paradigmatic stage'," writes anthropologist Dr. Ezra Zubrow, "This book will help that synthesizing, theorizing pioneer of the future. Looking back there will be new scholars who will wonder how present scholars could have been so wrong. They will smile and yet they will remember this book. For in some sense, they will say 'this is where it began.'” Features Editor for “New Scientist” Magazine Kate Douglas explains: “Where the rest of us see stones, bones, rubble and shards, they (archaeologists) see the tell-tale remains of past lives. With careful scrutiny they are able to use this material to build up a picture of a culture, its technological know-how, trade in commodities and ideas, diet, lifestyle and even beliefs. Until recently, however, almost all archaeological insights have been gleaned by looking at ancient remains. Now archaeologists are starting to think beyond the visual. One of the most exciting branches of the new multi-sensory archaeology is archaeoacoustics, the archaeology of sound. In February 2014, the pioneers of this field met on the island of Malta for their first international conference. It was truly extraordinary.” “Our goal for the conference was to focus in a responsible way on the behavior of sound in important ancient spaces, and the way that people may have used it,” says conference organizer Linda Eneix. “We sought hints for the way sound may have impacted on early human development. We intended to bring together a broad base of expertise, science, and objective observation toward a multi-faceted understanding of human ingenuity. As this conference unfolded, we succeeded beyond all expectations.” The book also contains preliminary reports from the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum (ca. 3600 BCE) acoustics project conducted on-site during the conference. (See link above.)